Alpha's STOLEN Mate Chapter 62

Kaius

When I returned to my pack, I found Frost exactly where I expected him—buried in paperwork at my office desk, methodically working through the mountain of administrative duties I'd abandoned.

I couldn't help but smile. "You know, Frost, sometimes I think you'd be better at ruling this kingdom than I am."

Frost didn't even look up from the documents, continuing to read with focused intensity. "I think any alpha who actually stays at his desk and does his job—instead of disappearing without a word and blocking his beta's mindlink—would be better suited to leadership than you."

I walked over to stand in front of him, unable to contain my satisfaction. "This time I didn't leave for nothing. I gained valuable intelligence, and I shared a trial by fire with my mate. We made real progress."

Frost finally raised his eyes, taking in my barely concealed joy and the subtle shift in my demeanor. A knowing smile tugged at his lips. "You completed the marking, didn't you? You've permanently bound yourself to your mate."

I nodded, then felt compelled to explain. "The process wasn't ideal—she didn't give her consent. But she'd been critically wounded by those magically enhanced wolves. Marking her was the only way to activate her healing abilities and save her life."

Frost's expression immediately shifted to genuine concern. "She almost died?" Then his voice hardened with anger. "How the hell did you fail to protect your own mate?"

Guilt stabbed through me, but I pushed it aside defensively. "The details don't matter right now. What matters is she's fine—better than fine, actually. After completing the marking ritual, we're both significantly more powerful than before. She should be thanking me!"

Frost's face turned sardonic. "But this is just the beginning, isn't it? You've marked her, claimed her body—but you haven't won her heart. There's a vast difference between having a mate and having a lover. I wonder how long that journey will take you."

I sat down heavily, feeling my face heat with embarrassment and irritation. "Beta, you're talking too much."

Frost pulled out a file and slid it across the desk. "Speaking of problems, we've had our own issues while you were gone. Multiple pack members have gone missing over the past two days."

I scanned the report, my mind immediately connecting the pattern to Elowen's missing wolves. I slammed my hand on the desk. "This isn't a coincidence. Tomorrow I'm personally conducting patrols around our territory. We need to identify any suspicious activity or enemies in the area."

Frost nodded, his analytical mind already working. "About those enhanced wolves you mentioned—what exactly makes them different from regular rogues? Their attack patterns, regeneration capabilities—"

"I'll brief you on all the details later," I interrupted, studying my beta more closely. Something was off. I leaned forward and inhaled deeply, my enhanced senses confirming what I'd suspected. "Fuck, Frost. Your scent is almost completely gone—you smell like stone. You need to see that witch immediately and get your problem fixed. Someone needs to care about what's happening to you."

Frost's expression remained neutral, almost serene, but I caught the flicker of something in his eyes. "You saw my mate, then."

I grinned. "She's very concerned about you. She actually hates me because of what happened to you—blames me for your condition. So tell me, beta, do you have any message you want me to pass along? I'm sure she'll have plenty of questions next time I see her."

Frost shrugged with what seemed like genuine indifference. "Honestly? I'm grateful that drug gave me an excuse to refuse her."

His cold words hit me like a physical blow. "You're saying that even after you get your scent back, you'll still reject her? You understand that rejecting your mate will severely damage your strength and abilities?"

"God, stop worrying about my love life," Frost said with amusement. "Your own situation is a complete disaster. Maybe focus on successfully winning back our queen before you start giving me relationship advice."

I felt helpless against Frost's impenetrable emotional walls. I'd never been able to fully understand what went on in his head. Waving him off dismissively, I stood up. "I'm going to shower. And tomorrow, I don't want to see you here. I need you to find that witch and restore your scent. I won't let you lose a mate as good as Scarlett. She has beautiful eyes and a pure heart. I want you to accept her sooner rather than later."

The image of Scarlett's fierce loyalty and genuine concern flashed through my mind. Frost had always been the one who gave everything—his time, his strength, his very identity—to serve others. He deserved someone who would care for him, support him, see him as more than just a tool.

Frost's voice stopped me at the door, quiet and carrying a weight I couldn't quite interpret.

"I really hope I won't disappoint her."